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Benesse House Museum: Where Art Meets Nature

Experience the seamless blend of art, architecture, and nature at Naoshima Island's iconic Benesse House Museum, designed by Tadao Ando.

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The Benesse House Museum on Naoshima Island is a unique fusion of art museum and hotel, designed by architect Tadao Ando. It exemplifies the concept of 'coexistence of nature, art, and architecture,' offering an immersive experience where contemporary art interacts with the surrounding landscape.

A brief summary to Benesse House Museum

  • Monday 8 am-9 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-9 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-9 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-9 pm
  • Friday 8 am-9 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-9 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-9 pm

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets online in advance to save money and guarantee entry, especially during peak season.
  • Take advantage of the free shuttle bus that runs between Tsutsujiso and the museum area.
  • Explore the outdoor art installations along the coastline and in the surrounding forest for a unique perspective.
  • Consider staying overnight at Benesse House for exclusive access to the museum and other perks.
  • Check the museum's website for information on temporary exhibitions and events.
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Getting There

  • Ferry

    To reach Benesse House Museum, first take a ferry to Naoshima Island. Most tourists arrive via Miyanoura Port. Ferries depart from Takamatsu Port (680 yen, 1 hour) or Uno Port (300 yen, 20 minutes). From Miyanoura Port, take the town bus towards Tsutsujiso. The fare is 100 yen. From Tsutsujiso, transfer to the free Benesse Art Site Naoshima shuttle bus that stops at Benesse House Museum. Alternatively, taxis are available from Miyanoura Port.

  • Bus

    From the Tsutsujiso bus stop, you can take the free Benesse Art Site Naoshima shuttle bus to the Benesse House Museum. The shuttle bus runs frequently. Check the timetable for the day's schedule. Alternatively, you can walk from Tsutsujiso to the museum, which takes about 10-15 minutes.

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Discover more about Benesse House Museum

Benesse House Museum, opened in 1992, stands as the centerpiece of Benesse Art Site Naoshima, embodying the seamless integration of art, architecture, and the natural environment. Designed by the acclaimed architect Tadao Ando, the museum is strategically built on elevated ground, providing breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea. Ando's design incorporates large openings that dissolve the boundaries between the interior and the exterior, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the stunning natural surroundings. The museum's collection extends beyond traditional gallery spaces, with artworks thoughtfully placed throughout the building, along the coastline, and in the nearby forest. This approach creates a rare environment where site-specific installations engage with the unique characteristics of Naoshima's landscape. Visitors can encounter works by renowned artists, including Yayoi Kusama's iconic Yellow Pumpkin, which has become a symbol of the island. Benesse House offers a fully immersive experience, allowing guests to engage with contemporary art, explore nature, and appreciate innovative architecture. The complex comprises four buildings: the Museum, Oval, Park, and Beach, each designed by Ando to harmonize with its surroundings. Overnight guests enjoy the added privilege of 24-hour access to the museum, enhancing their connection with the art and the environment. The Benesse Foundation envisioned a space where contemporary art could interact with its natural surroundings. This vision materialized into the creation of Benesse House, which aimed to foster a deeper understanding of art through an immersive experience, blending accommodation with artistic expression.

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